☣️ UN 1076 • CLASS 2

UN 1076 — Phosgene

Placard: Toxic Gas. ERG Guide 125. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.

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⚠️ This page is a quick-reference aid. For real incidents: stage upwind, isolate, deny entry, request Hazmat early, and consult the current ERG + SOP/SOG.

UN 1076 is Phosgene, a Class 2 toxic/corrosive gas assigned to ERG Guide 125. It can create inhalation, corrosive contact, frostbite and cylinder-rupture hazards during leaks or fire exposure.

Hazard overview: UN 1076 presents toxic gas, corrosive vapor and pressure-container hazards. Released gas may collect in low or enclosed areas, while fire or heat can create toxic gases and cylinder failure risk.

Response guidance: For a UN 1076 incident, responders should confirm the product using shipping papers, cylinder markings, SDS and ERG Guide 125. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, avoid vapor contact, use air monitoring when available and consult ERG Table 1 when applicable.

Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1076 should emphasize toxic inhalation risk, corrosive vapor exposure, SCBA discipline, Table 1 protective actions and cylinder leak-control limitations. Common errors include relying on odor, entering low areas without monitoring, applying water to a reactive leak and selecting splash PPE without respiratory protection.

Regulatory context: Phosgene is regulated as a hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Cylinder, workplace exposure, storage, reporting and environmental requirements may vary by product, quantity and jurisdiction. Responders should verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS, cylinder markings, facility documents and applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, state or local authority guidance.

Storage & handling: Phosgene should be stored in compatible containers or cylinders in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area with toxic/corrosive gas controls, leak detection where required and segregation from incompatible materials. Protect containers from heat, corrosion, impact, valve damage and unauthorized access.

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UN 1076 Quick Details

UN 1076
Product name: Phosgene
DOT Class: 2
Placard type: Toxic Gas
ERG Guide: 125 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 125: Initial isolation 100m all directions; Protective Action Distance 500m daytime, 2000m nighttime for small spills; up to 7+ km for large spills

Common Hazards of UN 1076

  • TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; may be fatal if inhaled.
  • Vapors are extremely irritating and corrosive to eyes, skin and respiratory tissue.
  • Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite.
  • Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
  • Runoff from fire control or vapor suppression may be corrosive or environmentally hazardous.
  • Vapors may collect in low or confined areas depending on product and release conditions.
  • Containers may rupture or rocket when heated.

Chemical Identity & Physical Properties

Colorless gas or fuming liquid below 8°C with a pungent odor of newly mown hay or green corn at low concentrations. Highly toxic even at very low concentrations.

Also known asCarbonyl chlorideCarbon oxychlorideChloroformyl chlorideCarbonic dichloride
CAS Number75-44-5
AppearanceColorless gas or fuming liquid below 8°C with a pungent odor of newly mown hay or green corn at low concentrations. Highly toxic even at very low concentrations.
Flash PointNot applicable (non-flammable gas)
Boiling Point8.2°C (46.8°F)
Vapor Density3.4 (much heavier than air)
Water ReactivityReacts slowly with water forming hydrochloric acid and carbon dioxide; reaction accelerates with heat
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.

Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1076

Extinguishing Media

Do not apply water directly to a reactive gas or liquid unless compatible and directed by incident command. Water spray may be used from a protected position for vapor reduction or cooling when appropriate for the specific product.

PPE Requirements

⚠️ Level A required; full encapsulating suit with SCBA; extremely toxic by inhalation even at ppm levels; no skin contact permitted

Positive-pressure SCBA is required for suspected toxic/corrosive gas exposure. Chemical-protective clothing should be selected using SDS, monitoring results, leak conditions and incident command; Level A may be needed for close entry into unknown or high-concentration vapor.

Isolation & Evacuation

ERG 125: Initial isolation 100m all directions; Protective Action Distance 500m daytime, 2000m nighttime for small spills; up to 7+ km for large spills
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 125).

First Actions for a UN 1076 Incident

  • CALL 911. Then call the emergency response telephone number on the shipping paper, if available.
  • Keep unauthorized personnel away.
  • Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
  • Do not touch damaged cylinders, tanks, valves or released material unless properly trained and equipped.
  • Avoid breathing gas, vapor, mist or fire gases.
  • Many toxic or liquefied gases may spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas.
  • Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained, equipped and authorized by incident command.
  • Isolate the spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.
  • For highlighted materials, consult ERG Table 1 for Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
  • For non-highlighted materials, increase the precautionary distance downwind based on release size, weather, monitoring and incident command.
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card

UN 1076 — Phosgene
HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1076 Product: Phosgene Class 2 / Toxic Gas / ERG 125 PPE: Level A required; full encapsulating suit with SCBA; extremely toxic by inhalation even at ppm levels; no skin contact permitted ISOLATION: ERG 125: Initial isolation 100m all directions; Protective Action Distance 500m daytime, 2000m nighttime for small spills; up to 7+ km for large spills ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO

Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.

SMS WhatsApp
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING === UN 1076 — Phosgene Class: 2 | Placard: Toxic Gas | ERG Guide: 125 Appearance: Colorless gas or fuming liquid below 8°C with a pungent odor of newly mown hay or green corn at low concentrations. Highly toxic even at very low concentrations. Water Reactivity: Reacts slowly with water forming hydrochloric acid and carbon dioxide; reaction accelerates with heat Extinguishing: Do not apply water directly to a reactive gas or liquid unless compatible and directed by incident command. Water spray may be used from a protected position for vapor reduction or cooling when appropriate for the specific product. PPE: Level A required; full encapsulating suit with SCBA; extremely toxic by inhalation even at ppm levels; no skin contact permitted Isolation: ERG 125: Initial isolation 100m all directions; Protective Action Distance 500m daytime, 2000m nighttime for small spills; up to 7+ km for large spills — Key Hazards — • TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; may be fatal if inhaled. • Vapors are extremely irritating and corrosive to eyes, skin and respiratory tissue. • Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite. — First Actions — • CALL 911. Then call the emergency response telephone number on the shipping paper, if available. • Keep unauthorized personnel away. • Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream. • Do not touch damaged cylinders, tanks, valves or released material unless properly trained and equipped. SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/phosgene-un-1076 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING

Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.

SMS (short)
UN1076 Phosgene Cls2 ERG125 | ERG 125: Initial isolation 100m all directions; Protective Action Distance 500m | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/phosgene-un-1076SMS / 160 CHAR

Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.

⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions. Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/phosgene-un-1076

Related UN Numbers in Class 2

Discovery block for training / quick reference. Always consult the current ERG + your SOP/SOG for operations.
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 1076

UN 1076 is Phosgene, a hazardous material assigned to ERG Guide 125.

No, it is not primarily a flammable gas, but oxidizing, reactive, toxic or corrosive behavior can make fire conditions severe.

ERG Guide 125 applies to UN 1076 and should be used for initial isolation, protective actions and first response guidance.

UN 1076 presents toxic gas, corrosive vapor and pressure-container hazards. Released gas may collect in low or enclosed areas, while fire or heat can create toxic gases and cylinder failure risk.

Positive-pressure SCBA is required for suspected toxic/corrosive gas exposure. Chemical-protective clothing should be selected using SDS, monitoring results, leak conditions and incident command; Level A may be needed for close entry into unknown or high-concentration vapor.

Responders should isolate the area, stay upwind, verify the product with shipping papers and SDS, use ERG Guide 125, monitor the atmosphere when possible and follow incident command and local SOP.
Sources (high level): DOT/PHMSA marking & class concepts + ERG usage principles. This page does not reproduce ERG guide text—always consult the current ERG for incident-specific protective actions.